Murder charges laid following investigation into fatal crash - Wardell

Wednesday, 05 March 2025 01:32:24 PM

A man has been charged over the alleged murder and attempted robbery of four people on the state’s north coast early last year.

Shortly after 5.45am on Saturday 24 February 2024, emergency services were called to Back Channel Road, Wardell, following reports of crash.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and located a Mazda BT50 utility that had left the roadway and crashed into a tree.

All four occupants of the vehicle died at the scene and were later identified as driver Mark Dodds (36), and passengers Sophie-Lee Fullagar (24), Benjamin Watego (50), and James Doherty (42).

Detectives from the Richmond Police District, Crash Investigation Unit and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad commenced an investigation into the incident under Strike Force Land.

Following extensive inquiries, including a public appeal for information, strike force detectives arrested a 29-year-old man at Coffs Harbour Police Station yesterday morning (Tuesday 4 March 2025).

There he was charged with four counts of murder, and assault with intent to rob armed with offensive weapon and cause wounding/grievous bodily harm.

Police will allege in court that the man met with the four occupants in South Ballina where he attempted to rob the group. When they fled in the Mazda BT50, the man allegedly followed in a Toyota Corolla.

Police will further allege the actions and manner of driving of the man led to the utility colliding with a tree, killing the four occupants.

He was refused bail to appear before Coffs Harbour Local Court yesterday (Tuesday 4 March 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

Investigations under Strike Force Land are continuing.

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